Vilanova, who took charge of Barca during the summer after Guardiola left the club at the end of last season, was on Thursday scheduled to undergo surgery to remove a tumor on his parotid gland and will then undergo six weeks of ­chemotherapy and ­radiotherapy treatment.

The 44-year-old had undergone similar surgery last November when he was assistant manager at Camp Nou but on Wednesday it was confirmed he has suffered a recurrence.

The club's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has confirmed current assistant coach Jordi Roura will be in caretaker charge for the next six weeks, and Barca are hopeful Vilanova can remain in charge while undergoing his treatment.

"During this time, Vilanova may be able to combine treatment with his work regime," a club statement said.

Zubizarreta said of the short-term future at the club: "If Vilanova is not with us, then Jordi Roura is with us and his team of assistants.

"We have not talked with [Pep] Guardiola. Tito is still the coach, and his assistant will be there on the next game in Valladolid."

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell added: "Vilanova is the most important thing now. We will wait for him."